materials and equipment
BUILDING FRAME
Multibuild is the name given to a new structural system which uses a combination of structural steelwork and precast concrete in a manner which combines the major advantages of both forms. It has been developed by Sanders & Forster Ltd., Warton Road, London, E.15.
Basically the system consists of pre- cast concrete columns used with struc- tural steel beams to form a composite
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Steel connection assembly in RC column structure. Used largely in compression in the columns, reinforced concrete is utilised to the best possible advantage, whilst its high dead weight has a negli- gible effect on the design. For all beams, however, where dead weight has a notable effect, particularly on wider spans, structural steel is employed.
The use of these two materials to- gether is made possible by the patented connection. This consists of a short steel connector of special design and of the same overall dimensions as the column, which is cast into the con- crete columns to provide a simple but effective steel to steel mechanical con- nection between the steel beam and the concrete column.
as the structure is erected at high speed, with the dimensional accuracy normally confined to structural steel- work, but not requiring the further time and labour normally spent on fireproofing or weatherproofing the the columns.
Sanders & Forster propose licensing the system to structural steel fabrica- tors throughout the world.
BUILDING PANEL
A lightweight building panel, said to be particularly suitable for use in tropical areas, has been developed by an Australian company for low-cost projects.
The panel is made from 2in. poly- urethane foam sandwiched between two sheets of 1/8in. flexible asbestos cement. The asbestos outer surfaces are in a variety of textures and do not need painting.
According to the makers, Leedon Distributors Pty. Ltd., 62 Princes High- way, Arncliffe, NSW, the sandwich construction insulation is equivalent to
Leedon building panel
a 10in. brick wall. The panels are 8ft. long and 4ft. wide. They will not burn or explode with heat and the foam will not support combustion.
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REINFORCEMENT SPACERS
Celmac high-density polythene spacers for use on the reinforcing steel- work cages for cast-in-situ concrete piles fit to the binding steel wound helically round the vertical members.
Considerable time is saved on site, They ensure that the steel is correctly
Clip-on type spacer
positioned within the concrete of the pile.
There are two types in various sizes to allow the proper stipulated cover of a definite minimum thickness of con- crete. One clips on to the helix after the reinforcing cage has been assem- bled; the other is a wheel type which is designed to be slid on to the steel forming the helix while the pile cage is being constructed.
The clip-on type provides a fast, easy method of fixing spacers on site, just prior to the positioning of the re- inforcing steel. The wheel-type has a wide rim which enables it to act as a roller while the steel cage is being lowered into the formwork. This is useful in the case of piles which are being sunk obliquely.
The makers are Celmac Overseas Ltd., Crown Works, Denton, Man- chester, UK.
BURGLAR ALARM
Micro-wave signals are radiated to a police station or security office by a new radar burglar alarm being mar- keted by Associated Controls Pty. Ltd., 14 Enterprise Avenue, Padstow, NSW, Australia.
Costing less than a light bulb to operate, the unit is merely plugged into a power point and its antenna positioned. If an intruder cuts the electric power, an alarm is triggered and the unit automatically starts send- ing signals.
When set, any human movement within the unit's range will trigger the alarm. Once the alarm is raised it will continue to sound as long as any move- ment continues and for one minute afterwards.
MODEL VIEWER
Modelscope allows an architect to view his models as though he was a pedestrian walking through or around them.
This viewing aid comprises a wide- angle lens of extremely short focal length, fitted to the end of a slender repeater system telescope, consisting of 18 finely ground lenses. It has a
Far East BUILDER, June 1969
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